124 TROUT FISHING 



greater conspicuity, they are the more quickly 

 seen, and will be the more quickly refused if one 

 let them be still in the water. The instant they 

 pitch they will be darted at, and as quickly must 

 the fish be struck. It is just this dash that I so 

 much like in bright water fishing one never sees 

 the trout so lively or quick and agile as they are 

 in a hot bright day in July; and though this 

 quickness or vivacity may be by some considered 

 an obstacle to sport, it is, in truth, a very incen- 

 tive to it ; 'tis a condition on their part, which 

 the fisherman should strive to turn to his own ac- 

 count, and by attention he will soon learn how to 

 do it. If I may be allowed the comparison, this 

 dash with the trout is to the fisherman what he 

 and other sportsmen so highly prize with the fox- 

 hounds. 'Tis his highest charm, the fox-hunting 

 of fishing. 



Whilst I write, what thoughts flash back to 

 my mind ! how vividly do I picture the beautiful 

 and homely English scenery on that type of small 

 streams, the little Bray ; bubbling, merry little 

 fellow he always seems joyous, and by his music, 

 so sweet to the fisherman's ear, what a welcome 

 does he whisper to your very heart ! He lives in 

 the midst of nature's beauties, selecting, when he 

 has acquired the power, after his barren birthplace 

 fat meadows, screening himself by the over- 

 hanging bushes, the fragile alder, the knotty thorn, 

 and drooping nut bushes ; all made luxuriant and 

 stimulated to healthy growth by his proximity ; 

 at one time coyishly meandering over smooth 



